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BOZZAEIS: 



A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY N . D E E R I N G . 



4 ♦v>v>%\VvVt*« 



B O Z Z A R I S; 



A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS 



BY 



NrD EERIN 



G 



PORTLAND : 

PUBLISHED BY J. S. BAILEY 

18 5 1. 



. .'5'*%'^ 

v^;^-^ 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the Clerks Office for the 
District of Maine. 



PRINTED BY FOSTER & GERRISH, PORTLAND 



PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. 



BozzARis — Chief of the Sidiotes. 

Staikos, ) 

fontoumaris, ^ 

LoNDOS, [■ His officers. 

Zaimis, ) 

Javella, j 

Ulysses — Greek Chieftain. 

MusTAPHA — Seraskier of the Turkish Army. 

Abdallah — Turkish Officer. 

Guards. 

Mute. 

Greek and Turkish Soldiers. 

EuDORA — Daughter of Bozzaris. 

Ida — Cousin to Eudora. 

Scene, chiefly in Western Hellas. 



B Z Z A R I S . 



ACT I 

SCENE I. 
Time, twilight. The Greek Cmnp. Enter Staihos and Londos. 

STAIKOS. 

I tell tliee Londos that I like it not. 
Hath age destroyed my courage ? 

LONDOS. 

It requires 
Much more than I can boast of to assert it. 

STAIKOS. 

Is my arm feeble ? feel of it good Londos — 
Is there not muscle there ? and then my legs ; 
Look at them I beseech thee. Is there not 
A firmness in my tread ? Younger there are, 
That I will gi'ant indeed ; but none more fit 
To scale a wall or leap a counterscarp. 

LONDOS. 

They have in truth a most rare symmetry, 

And must have caus'd some heartaches in times past. 

STAIKOS. 

And why not cause them still ? I am not old 
Except in years. Note well my lineaments ; 
See you the marks of age ? 

LONDOS. 

It would require 
A sharper eye than I am bless'd withal 
To point them out. Time hath forgotten thee ; 



6 BOZZARIS. [act T. 

Or rather, when he drew his brush athwart 
Thy visage, he forgot to moisten it. 

STAIKOS. 

Say rather, the old painter, heing wise, 
Knew better than to spoil a proper man. 
When sach are scarce and needed. I boast not, 
Yet that there is about me something more 
Than the mere semblance of a man, was prov'd 
E'en in our last encounter with the Turk. 

LONDOS. 

You bore yourself right valiantl}^, as I 
Myself can testify. I counted two 
That you made shorter by the head. 

STAIKOS. 

But two ? 
Then you miscounted, Londos ; there were four ; 
Four stalwart Ottomans, as my sword can witness ; 
Besides some half a score of minor note, 
Whose sleeves I slash'd and in such handsome style 
They'd serve for patterns. Notwithstanding this, 
I am discarded like a spavin'd charger. 
I am left here with these few rank and file, 
Where they all came from. Heaven knows — ^no matter, 
I am left here coop'd up with this same rabble 
To rust as 'twere ; and for what purpose think you ? 

LONDOS. 

Why, to keep watch and ward. 

STAIKOS. 

Umph ! watch and ward i 
Now what show of resistance can I make 
With such a troop, the very scum of Greece, 
Undisciplin'd and wild and in hot broils 
When not asleep ? 
Marco Bozzaris should have used me better. 



SCENE I.] BOZZARIS. 

LONDOS. 

And did'st thou not remonstrate ? 

STAIKOS. 

Certainly, 
What little time I had for such a purpose. 
Till on the very night of his departure, 
None knew of his intentions. Then he call'd me. 
Staikos, said he, I must away to-night 
With nearly all my Suliotes. Stay thou here ; 
I know thou'rt brave and honest. Be it thine 
To guard against surprise till my return. 
On this, not doubting blood was to be drawn, 
In which I've had some practice, mine was up. 
And some hot words were utter'd. But what then ? 
He spoke about his daughter, and his fears 
If left in others' charge. I had to yield. 

LOXDOS. 

'Twas a gross wrong. If there were laurels near 
That could be reap'd, thine was the hand to do it. 
As to myself, having no Suliote blood 
Within my veins, refusal was expected. 

STAIKOS. 

It vexes me, don't mention it. 

LONDOS. 

Perhaps, 
So much hard service had been thine of late, 
He thought you needed rest. 

STAIKOS. 

And if I did, 
W^as this a place to find it — foes without, 
Anxious to bag our heads for old Stamboul, 
A present for the Sultan, and within. 
So few in numbers, I have scarce enough 
To man the outposts ? Call you this a rest ? 
After a day's hard fighting and a bout 



8 BOZZARIS. [act I. 

With some tougli Ottoman, I grant indeed 
One miglit enjoy a nap : but that's not here. 
Since I have been in charge, 'tis now a week, 
I swear to you I've drows'd with one eye open. 

LONDOS. 

Staikos, thou art an injured man. Had I 
Been treated thus after such deeds of valor, 
I'd seek my native hills and let my sword 
Lie rusty in its scabbard, or would shape it 
Into a pruning hook. 

STAIKOS- 

And leave Bozzaris ? 
Never ! we boast a kindred blood, and once, 
How deep 'tis graven on my memory. 
When down, and Moslem lances at my throat. 
He hew'd his way 'gainst fearful odds and sav'd me ; 
I'll never leave him. 

LONDOS. 

Better then prepare 
For a short shrive ; the struggle is unequal. 
The Christian powers so call'd, but why, I know not, 
Have not yet mov'd a finger. They have seen, 
With cold indifference the prostrate Cross, 
And in its place the Crescent. Worse than this. 
Look at our civil feuds, our Capitani — 

STAIKOS. 

Care little for the people, that is plain. 

LONDOS. 

As little do the people care for freedom. 

Look at the Morea ! See it sunk 

In hopeless apathy. Back to your hills 

And let them hug the chains they so delight in. 

STAIKOS. 

Niglit watches and tou^h fare disturb thy stomach. 
Wait till our men return, as soon I trust 



SCENE II.] B Z Z A Pv I S . 

Tliej will, with Turkish viands, and that bile 
Will bo reduc'd. And this reminds of duty. 
Let us conclude our rounds ; I would not have 
Bozzaris catch us napping. 

LONDOS. 

Trust to me, 
Thou'rt tired and need repose. 

STAIKOS. 

Well be it so. 
Visit at once each outpost ; at the gorge 
See that the guard is doubled ; 'tis the pass 
I deem the most expos'd ; at midnight call me. \_Exit. 

LONDOS. 

Bozzaris knew his man, there is no tampering 

With such as he. One might as well entice 

A spaniel from its master. Such a dog 

Requires a muzzle that v^^ill stop his bark. 

He would be call'd at midnight, well I'll call him : 

But somewhat earlier than he expects. 

If Zaimis heed my missive. \^Ex{t. 



SCENE II. 
Time, twilight. In the hack ground a Temple in ruins and 
some of its columns prostrate and broken ; in the distance 
the Greek Camp. Enter Eudora. 

EUDORA. 

How much the noise and bustle of the camp 
Jar on the soul in such a state as mine. 
Sadden'd and sick it is with broodino- o'er 

o 

The wrongs of my poor country. Sadder still 
In my lov'd father's absence, call'd as now 



10 B ZZ A R I S. [act I. 

On services of peril. Should mischance 
Befall him, and what hand can turn the stroke 
Of Fate I then what awaits me. Suli lost, 
O'er run by Turkish hordes, and not a place 
Of refuge save this camp. 

Guard him ye saints, and guard that youth who now 
Follows his fortunes : him to whom I fear, 
My thoughts too often wander for my peace. 
lUnter Ida.} 

IDA. 

Still moping like the owl. Come see you not 
That twilight shades are gathering ? 'twill be night 
Ere we reach home again. 

EUDORA. 

Home ! ah the camp : 
I do forget we have no other home. 
But why return dear Ida ? why desert 
So sweet a solitude for the mere din 
And clangour of the camp ? 

IDA. 

Simply for this ; 
I have no wish to play Minerva's bird 
And hoot among these ruins. 'Tis most strange — 
This whim of thine — it puzzles my poor brain. 
What is the magnet that is so attractive ? 
Is it tlie ivy mantle flung by Time 
Over this pile ? Is it to wake an echo ? 
How I should dread an echo here alone ; 
It can't be that. Is it to rouse the bats ? 
Come tell me coz ; it is a gloomy place. 

EUDOKA. 

And therefore pleases me, for it accords 
With my own heart's emotions. Ida, when 
I think of Greece, of Scio's massacre^ 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. IJ 

And of the doom that may in turn be ours, 
The song and dance are painful. 

IDA. 

Not to me ; 
I'd have them constantly ; they'll drive away 
Such gloomy thoughts — these come enough in dreams. 
Now honest Staikos says the camp is dull, 
And breedeth melancholy. There's no need 
Of straying here to find it. 

EUDORA. 

My dear Ida, 
May you be ever thus ; as bright and gay 
As you are innocent. Our natures differ. 
'Tis said that e'en in childhood I was sad ; 
Then came my mother's death, and now my fears 
Are for my absent sire. His courage seems 
So near allied to rashness that his life 
Hangs by a single thread. 

IDA. 

And is there not 
Another for whose life you have some fears — 
One far away ? 

EUDORA. 

What mean you ? 

IDA. 

Nothing, only 
I had a dream of late — would'st like to liear it ? 

EUDORA. 

I am indifferent : unless it is 

One that disturb'd thy slumbers — that would pain me. 

IDA. 

This was a pleasant dream. I know you'd like it. 

EUDORA. 

Some love affair^ I'll warrant ', was it not '? 



12 " B ZZ A KI 3 . [act 1. 

IDA. 

Why should I dream of love ? I never felt it ; 

Have you ? Ah coz, that tinge hath answered me. 

But I do wrong to question you, so listen. 

I dreamt I saw, one afternoon, a youth 

Of noble mien and by his side a maiden ; 

And she was noble too and fair. 

There was a temple near them, 'twas like this ; 

And on some sculptur'd marble which had fallen, 

They sat in converse deep. I know not what 

The subject of it was, but this I know, 

'Twas all engrossing. For they heedless seem'd 

Of every thing around, and when they left, 

I mark'd how measur'd was their step and slow ; 

As if each one had something to reveal. 

Yet dare not utter it. At the lines they parted. 

EUDOUA. 

You vex me Ida with such idle prattle. 

IDA. 

Was it a waking dream ? No wonder then 
These ruins have their charms ; such solitude, 
If one can have a lover at her feet. 
Is much less frightful. 

EUDORA. 

Ida thy poor brain 
Teems with strange fantasies. 

IDA. 

I will take back 
That echo and the bats I spoke of. I was blind 
To hit so wide o' the mark. But hark ! that sound, 
Didst thou not hear it. 

EUDORA. 

It is the voice of by-gone years, and fills 
The ear with a sad requiem. Perhaps 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. 13 

Some stone tHat Time liath loosen'd from tlie frieze 
Hath struck the ground. I've heard such sounds before. 

IDA. 

Then to remain were perilous, Eudora. 

This for a trysting place ! ii is the last 

My choice would fall upon. Again that sound ! 

How fearfully it breaks upon the ear. 

Art sure 'tis but a stone ? I almost see 

A Turk behind each column. Even now 

They may be lurking in this lonely pile. 

Ah, if it should be so, what fate is ours ! 

Come, let us hasten back. 

EUDORA. 

Your fears are groundless. 
They know too well the courage of our race, 
To venture quite so near. Why, you could see. 
If it were earlier, our sentinels 
Pacing their weary rounds. 'Twill ne'er be thine 
To grace a Turkish Harem. 

IDA. 

Ano;els o;uard us I 

EUDORA. 

You would not answer for a soldier's wife. 
If so much like the fawn. A Suliote maid 
Should brave all dangers, at a time like this. 

IDA. 

I will confess that here I am a coward. 
But let me be within the camp — within 
The sound of well known voices, even you 
Would scarcely censure me. But let us leave, 
Or we shall lose the twilight. 

EUDORA. 

Well Ida, as thou wilt ; but don't repeat 

That idle dream. 

2 



14 BOZZARIS. [act I. 

IDA. 

See you my finger coz ? 
I'll place it thus, and personate hereafter, 
The god of silence. Exeunt. 



SCENE III. 

The Greek Camp. Time, night. 
\_Enter Londos.'\ 

LONDOS. 

Now to withdraw the guard ; and if I fail, 

I have about me a Lethean drug, 

Which, mingled with their wine, will make our work 

A holiday's amusement. 

zAiMis, \jvithout.~\ 
Londos ! 

LONDOS. 

Who 
Calls Londos ? — honest men should be asleep. 

ZAIMIS, {entering.'} 
'Tis Zaimis now ; the Devil will hereafter. 

LONDOS. 

Ha, Zaimis, welcome ! for thy coming takes 
A mountain from my breast. But how is this ? 
Thou hast the look of one fatigued, and worn 
With travel. Thou did'st ride a mettled steed, 
And hast o'ertask'd thyself in zeal to serve us. 

ZAIMIS. 

Who ride for life are seldom known to creep 
At a snail's pace. 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 15 

LONDOS. 

But where are all thy men, 
Auil are they pick'd ; — fellows that will not flinch 
In a bold enterprise ? 

ZAIMIS. 

That they are pick'd 
Already, Heaven knows. But that they ivill be 
Ay, and by the vultures, I'll be sworn, 
Unless they fled as I did. 

LONDOS. 

Fled, explain ? 
This is no time for jest ; I'm on the rack. 

ZAIMIS. 

I was at Creonero when I learn'd 
The weakness of your force, and your intention 
To aid in its betrayal. Fortune seem'd 
To favor us ; for on that very night, 
Jussuf with his battalions was advancing 
On Carpenitza, to unite his force 
With Mustapha Pashaw. To him I hasten'd, 
•Showing your plan of the encampment, then 
How to attack it ; which, when well resolv'd, 
He gave consent to. 

LONDOS. 

"Well, what next ? 

ZAIMIS. 

The chief 
Had e'en prepar'd the order to detach 
The force I ask'd, it wanted but his seal, 
When there arose a cry so wild and fearful. 
Commingled with the clash of crossing blades, 
We rush'd, yet scarce had time, to gain the entrance. 
For there I found our countrymen upon us. 
The work of death begun. 



16 B ZZ A RIS. [act I. 

LONDOS. 

You torture me, 

ZAIMIS. 

Knowing my fate if taken, I stopp'd not 
To learn the issue. In my flight I pass'd 
A horse without a rider ; him I caught, 
And, vaulting to the saddle, drew not rein 
Till here. 

LONDOS. 

Then are the schemes for our advancement baffled , 
And the high rank and the piastres promis'd, 
And which till now seem'd ready for our clutch. 
Are lost forever. 

ZAIMIS. 

Thou art too desponding. 
It was an equal chance that Jussuf conquer' d ; 
And if so, then — 

liONDOS. 

Feed not your hopes with ^/&. 
These ifs may answer for the airy domes 
That visionaries build, but naught beside. 
What, know you not the assailants ? 

ZAIMIS. 

Some Mainotes probably, some raw recruits. 
Who needed darkness and a sleeping foe, 
To whet their courage. 

LONDOS. 

Mainotes, raw recruits I 
Know Zaimis, that each warrior of the band 
Was a fierce Suliote, and he who led, 
Marco Bozzaris ! 

ZAIMIS, 

Bozzaris I then our hopes — • 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 17 

LONDOS. 

Are idle all ! 
He is the very lion of his tribe. 
His grapple is no boy's play, and his fang, 
Once fiisten'd, holds its gripe. What, think'st thou, man, 
I should have urg'd thy coming as I did. 
Had he remain'd in camp ? 'Tis now a week 
Since he, on secret service, left at night, 
With his wild hordes ; I thought I mention'd it. 

ZAIMIS. 

You spoke of numbers merely. 

LONDOS. 

I was hurried, 
And wrote I knew not how. What's to be done ? 
They will return by morning. To my tent ; 
A longer tarry may awake suspicion. 

ZAIMIS. 

Dost hear that heavy footfall ? 

LONDOS. 

It is the measur'd tramp of the patrole. 
Let us avoid them. 

GUARD, [ivithout'] 
Stand ! who goes there ? 

LONDOS. 

A friend ! 

GUARD. 



The countersign ? 



LONDOS. 

Leonidas !" 



GUARD. 

Pass on. 

LONDOS. 

This way, this way. 
\_Exeunt towards hack of stage. '\ 



ACT 11. 

S C ENE I. 

Greek Camp; distant mountains. Enter Staikos, Londos 
and Zaimis. 

STAIKOS. 

Londos I give thee joy, and Zaimis too ; 
'Twas bruited here this morning that Bozzaris 
Is on his way to camp, nay near at hand. 

LONDOS. 

I put small faith in rumors ; for, when trac'd, 
You find them oft engender'd by the wish. 
This may be true however, and I hope 
That it will prove so. 

STAIKOS. 

Then you doubt, but hope ? 
And yet your countenance belies your word : 
Doth it not Zaimis ? Hath he not a sad 
And lengthen'd visage ; such as one would show 
Had the Turks gain'd some vantage ? and it comes 
From mounting guard so constantly of iate, 
And sleepless nights which must affect the spleen, 
And thus occasion bile : I told him so. 
Ah, comrades, when you've serv'd as long as Staikos, 
Such things as pains and aches and sleepless nights 
Will be strange visitants. I dare be sworn 
I have not known them, saving by report, 
This whole campaign. 

LONDOS. 

Yet you complain'd last night. 

STAIKOS. 

Pshaw ! that was sympathy. 'Tis wonderful 
How much depends on sympathy. I might, 



SCENE I.] BOZZARIS. 19 

Had I the learning, write a book upon it. 

The fiict is, Zaimis, that your friend look'd glum, 

And as I have a kindly nature in me, 

Why I— 

ZAIMIS. 

Look'd glum to bear him company. 

STAIKOS. 

You have it, by St. Luke ! But let us watch 
That pass among the hills. For distant sights 
I'll match my eye 'gainst any one in Hellas. 

\_Iietires tip the stage. ^ 

ZAIMIS. 

Man recollect thyself ; a trembling hand 
Will oft disturb and bring upon the surface, 
What should be hid, if one would cheat his patient. 
If this old fellow, who is unsuspecting. 
Thus comments on thy looks, one more observant 
May gather from that index all that's writ 
Within. A counterfeit minutely wrought, 
Will pass for the pure metal. 

LONDOS. 

S'death ! I'm in desperate fortunes ; all I own 
Is pawn'd, except this weapon. 

ZAIMIS. 

So is mine ; 
And that the pledge might have a greater value,, 
I threw mine honor after it. 

LONDOS. 

'Twas well ; 
From my own knowledge 'twas not worth the keeping. 
As to dissembling, 'tis beyond my nature. 
I am not like that Spartan who could smile 
And hug the animal that 'neath his folds, 
Was gnawing at his vitals. 



20 BOZZARIS. [act II. 

ZAIMIS. 

Hark ! that bugle I 
They are approaching. Staikos, see you not 
Their arms flash in the sunlight ? 

STAIKOS. 

Is it so ? 
Then by St. Luke ! mine eye must have a mote in't. 
'Tis the first time it fail'd me. {jlavella enters.'] 

Ha Javella ! 
This is indeed an index of their coming. 
Come ope thy budget man — the news — but first 
What of Bozzaris — is he safe ? 

JAVELLA. 

Safe "when I left him, scarce a moment since ; 
But how it happen'd 'mid such showers of shot, 
I marvel greatly. 

STAIKOS. 

Ah ! a skirmish then ? 

JAVELLA. 

Yes and a bloody one, a night assault. 

LONDOS, \_Aside to Zamis.'] 
Said I not rightly ? 

ZAIMIS. 

Hush ! 

STAIKOS. 

A night assault. 
And this good sword was rusting in its scabbard ! 
Well; there are some I wot of, who sliould thank 
Bozzaris for that mercy. 
Had it been drawn and wielded by this arm, 
Tt would have added to the list of slain 
A score or two at least ; but let that pass, 
I'll have a hack at them. 

l^Sound of Trumpets.'] 



SCENE I.] BOZZARIS. 21 

JAYELLA. 

The hero comes ! 
[^Enter Bozzaris, Fontoumaris and Soldiers.'] 

OMNES. 

Hurrah ! 

BOZZARIS. 

Thanks, comrades, thanks ; a greetnig such as this 

Is doubly welcome. For it tells not only 

Of your approval of our recent service, 

But that yourselves have hearts and hands to strike 

AVhen Hellas calls. We have but done our duty • 

So have ye all, as guardians of our camp. 

Yours was the harder task, and therefore wins 

A brighter laurel. 

I thank thee honest Staikos, and the rest, 

For this good service. 

STAIKOS, [aside.^ 

Now 1 had rosolv'd 
On a most serious charge, but this disarms me ; 
He hath a charm. 

, BOZZARIS. 

Novf to our tents — 
\_Dead march on horns at a distance.'] 
but hold ! 
That sound reminds me of a mournful duty. 
How we attack'd the foe and how we triumph'd, 
I will relate anon. The victory 
Was purchas'd at a price we long shall mourn. 
For Dion and Nicetas press the field, 
And Diamantis, he who left with youth 
And the bright hopes that ever strew its path, 
Lies on that bier. \_Dead march ; soldiers enter ivith the body.] 
Here let it rest awhile till we have gaz'd 
Once more upon that manly brow. His life 



22 BOZZARIS. [act II. 

Devoted to bis country, and his death 

So truly glorious, that in after times 

Men oft will speak of it. ^Advances and lifts the paU.'\ 

How beautiful, how calm ! Those clustering curls 

Let some one at the grave remove, and bear 

To his lone mother. 

file 7'eturns to the front while the rest approach the hier and 

then resume their places.'] 
Javella, mark our comrade's burial 
By due observance of whatever rights 
Our customs sanction ; for though dead he speaketh. 
Directly this sad duty is perform'd, 
Come to my tent. 

Now onward to his final resting place ! 
And, as we give his body to the dust, 
Resolve like him our lives to consecrate 
To freedom, Union and our native land. 

[Dead march, soldiers exeunt, Bozzaris folloiving .'l 



SCENE II. 

fEnter Fontoumaris as Javella crosses the 

FONTOUMARIS. 

You are in haste Javella, and would pass 
Without a salutation. 

JAVELLA. 

When haste becomes a duty, it allows 
But little time for acts of courtesy. 
I have despatches of some moment here, 
And must to horse forthwith. 

FONT. 

Ah, what's the news? 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. 23 

For this implies that something is afloat ; 
And if it bring about a change of quarters. 
It will be worth the hearing. What the import, 
Or are you bound to secrecy ? 

JAVELLA. 

There's none 
Left to my keeping. 

FONT. 

Now you trifle with me. 
Know that I saw you quit Bozzarris' tent ; 
And what a woman must have known, will not 
Be long a secret. Tell me honestly, 
"Was not his daughter leaning on his shoulder, 
When he indited them ? 

JAVELLA. 

No, on my honor. 
But much he wish'd to see her — even now, 
Staikos is out in quest. 

FONT. 

Javella, thanks ; 
But I detain you ; so farewell ! \_exit Javella.'] ha I ha ! 
The secret which I wanted, I have got — 
Eudora not within. But where ? ah here 
Comes Staikos to resolve my doubts. [^Enter Staikos.'] 

STAiKos, [loudly. ] 
Javella ! 
That fellow's deaf; I know my voice is heard 
A mile distinctly, e'en against the wind. 
He went too like an arrow ; why such haste ? 

FONT. 

He bears despatches of some consequence. 
Which must be forwarded. 

STAIKOS. 

I have my doubts. 



24 BOZZARIS. [act II. 

If thej requir'd haste, or were important, 
They would have been entrusted to a hand 
I will not mention, but by far more fit 
For such an undertaking. 

FONT, 

is he not 
Active and trusty ? 

STAIKOS. 

That I'll not deny ; 
But there are others more so — one at least — 
And wary too' ; Bozzaris knows his man, 
When such is wanted. 'Twas even now 
He sent me forth in quest of fair Eudora. 
He had his aids about him, younger men ; 
But when despatch is needed, then he calls 
On Staikos. This reminds me of a journey 
That I once made, from Arta to Lepanto. 
You know the distance ; now how many hours 
WasI— 

FONT. 

But fair Eudora — did you see her ? 

STAIKOS. 

No, not exactty see her, but I know 
Where she hath gone. It is her wont of late — 
All women have their whims — to bend her way 
To an old ruin, that's some half a league 
Beyond the camp. But now that journey — 

FONT. 

Some matters of importance call me hence ; 

jinother time, good Staikos. l£xit.~\ 

STAIKOS. 

Ha ! that journey — 
'Twas done so quickly that they never like 
To hear me mention it. Now to Bozzaris. [jExit.'] 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 25 

SCENE III. 

In the hack ground a Temple in ruins. Enter Bozzaris. 

BOZZARIS. 

Yes, this must Ibe the temj)le where my child 

Is wont to stray ; more fitting, one would think, 

For those whom age and misery have crush'd, 

Than for the young and buoyant ; a sad sight ! 

And how it tells our country's history ; 

Some of its noble columns still erect, 

And some upon the ground, defac'd and broken. 

The moss is now a tenant of its fissures, 

And the rank ivy creeps around its base : 

In ruins, yet still beautiful ! 

Surely the traveller, while passing near. 

Must pause and ponder : for it will remind him 

Of Hellas as she was, and — must I speak it ! 

As, alas, she is — degraded and in bondage. 

! will she ever rise and take her stand 
Among the nations ! 

1 may not live to see it, but I feel 

A confidence I shall not rest with slaves ; 

That the proud Crescent yet shall kiss the dust, 

And Greece be free ! \^Enter Soldier,'] 

SOLDIER. 

A messenger awaits you at the camp. 

BOZZARIS. 

My daughter, hast thou seen her ? 

SOLDIER. 

She pass'd beyond the lines, her daily custom, 
Some time ago. Had she retrac'd her steps, 
I should have met her. 

BOZZARIS. 

I'll return anon. 
3 



26 BOZZARIS. [act II. 

Meantime request the officer on duty, 
To send my guard. [^Exit Soldier.'] 

'Twas strange I nor can I rid me of the thouglit, 
That some calamity waits me or mine. 
Last night I saw the curtain of my tent 
Drawn by a fleshless hand — it beckon'd me ! 
Was it a warning of approaching death ? 
It must be so — such visitations have been. 
Then what of hfe is left me I devote 
Henceforth to thee, my country ! happy, happy 
To die in thy good service ; for the sting 
Of death is lost to those who fall for Freedom ! \_Uxit.'] 

[^Eudora and Fontouma7is advance from the rninsJl 

FONT. 

And yet you turn a deaf ear to my wooing. 
Is it not so, Eudora ? 

EUDORA. 

I have given 
All that a simple maiden, like myself 
Unskill'd in the world's mazes, ouglit to give ; 
Too much, I fear. I ofFer'd you my friendship ; 
And, if you doubt me, Fontoumaris, there's 
3Iy hand in pledge. 

FONT. 

And thus my lips shall seal it. 
Yet friendship — what is friendship ? It is cold, 
And burns like some dim taper ; not like that 
Which glows within my bosom — not like love. 
Ah, Eudora, 

There are, in certain caverns, streams which long 
Have flow'd in darkness and in silence. Yet, 
Let one but enter with his lighted torcli. 
Those waters turn to fire 
And, darting up their liquid flames, reveal 



SCENE III.] EOZZARIS. 

Such varied gems along the vaulted roof, 
That all doth seem enchantment. So will act 
The fountains of the heart, if only touch'd 
By the bright torch of Love. But pardon me 
If, urging thus my suit, I have presum'd. 
Perhaps I have a rival — one whose worth 
Hath long been known to thee, with prior claims. 

EUDORA. 

I would there were, to punish thy conceit. 
The men are favor'd with a double share 
Of this commodity. If we but smile, 
When they pay their devoirs, this courtesy 
Is constru'd into love. They think, forsooth, 
They've only to extend the finger, and 
The fluttr'ing bird alights. Am I not right ? 

FONT. 

I know of one exception. 

EUDORA. 

Ah, thyself 
Of course. 

FONT. 

In truth I've had convincing proof. 
That there are birds not to be lur'd nor wino-'d. 
The one I aim at takes so high a flight, 
She baffles Cupid's archery. 

EUDORA. 

There are two 
Who bear the name of Cupid. One is earthy, 
Gross, sensual — -his arrow cannot reach 
A bird that soars ; perhaps you had the wrong one. 
When next you try, engage the other Cupid. 

FONT. 

I fear that even he would miss the mark, 
If in a soldier's cause. Our trade is rough, 



28 BOZZAEIS. [act II. 

And poorly fits us to engage in lists, 
Where woman is the prize. 

EUDORA. 

I know not what 
Your proud Fanariote beauties may require 
To please their humor ; that you best can tell. 
But if, in times like these, they hold in scorn 
The soldier's calling, mark me, they do lack 
The hearts of Suliote maidens. 
And is it strange that in this hour of peril, 
When even woman doth forget her weakness 
In zeal to serve her country— is it strange, 
That 1 should hold him less than man, who skulks, 
And plays the coward V I'm Bozzaris' child. 

FONT. 

Forgive me if I wrong' d your noble nature. 
The city of the Sultan, where my life 
Hath pass'd from boyhood up, is not the place 
To learn your sex's value. 

EUDORA. 

That is true ; 
The Seven Towers have flung their baleful shades 
Too long upon the Fanar. They who dwell 
Beneath them dwell in fear, and dare not give 
An utterance to their thoughts — nay, wear their chains. 
Seeming content, while wreathing them with flowers. 
To speak of liberty is death. Thank Heaven ! 
There are no streams in Hellas which can tell 
The dark tales of the Bosphorus. 
Its very atmosphere is dank and tainted 
AVith the foul breath of Tyranny, and sinks 
With leaden weight upon the spirits. You 
Did well to f|uit it for our mountain air. 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. ?9 

FONT. 

And yet I find myself a captive here, 
Where I expected freedom. Ah, Eudora, 
If you would bid me hope — 

EITDORA. 

Hope comes to all. 
Enough, I priz'd thy coming in our need, 
And ever, in my vigils, pray good angels. 
To have thee in their keeping : what would'st more ? 

FONT, 

What more ? thy love, and like my own, unchanging. 

EUDORA. 

I have a woman's constancy, and where 
She once hath trusted, she unwav'ring clings. 
But come, let us return. I should not play 
The truant thus, when Ida is alone. 

FONT. 

Nay, not so soon. 

EUDORA. 

Your absence may be heeded. 
A soldier's post you know — 

FONT. 

Enough, I yield. 
\_Enter Ahdallah and soldiers from the rm'ws.j 

ABDALLAII. 

Hold, your path lies here. 

FONT. 

Ej Heaven not so ; 
Outnumber'd, but not lost. Eudora fly — 
They pass but o'er my corse ! 

BOZZARIS, [as he enters.'] 
Back, villains, back ! 
Had ye the lives that old Ant«?us boasted, 
I'd have them all. 

3* 



30 BOZZARIS. [act II. 

FONT. 

Bozzaris, save Eudora ! 

ABDALLAH. 

Bozzaris ! 

This is a prize indeed. 

BOZZARIS. 

But not for thee ! 
Ho there ! my guards ! [^guards enter — combat. 1 

EUDORA. 

My father, save my father ! 

[Eudora endeavors to shield her father , hut is withheld hy 
Fontoumaris. The Turks fly, except Abdallah, who falls, 
disarmed, at the feet of Bozzaris. Jl 



ACT III. 

SCENE I. 
Greek Camp. Enter Bozzaris and Fontoumaris . 

BOZZARIS. 

You ask for that which doth surprise and pain me ; 
A boon that granted, would not well comport 
With the maid's happiness, nor my intendments. 

FONT. 

I know the value of the gem I crave. 

Its beauty and rare excellence would grace 

The noblest wearer ; how much more myself. 

I have but trifling claims on which to ground 

My suit ; but time and opportunity 

May yet enable me to carve a name 

Among the proudest. 

BOZZARIS. 

Fontoumaris, that 
Is thine already. Ay, it pleas'd me well, 
Thy gallant bearing in the late assault 
At Creonero, not to mention that 
Which sav'd my child and renders me your debtor. 

FONT. 

Do you deny me rank ? My ancestors 
You know were noble. 

BOZZARIS. 

The nobility 
W^hich cometh from our dead progenitors, 
When unadorn'd by those who hold the title, 
Hath little substance in it. It is like 
The lurid vapor I have often seen 



32 BozzARis. [act hi. 

Hover and flitter, on a summer's night, 

Over ancestral vaults. At distance seen, 

It weareth all the semblance of a man ; 

Approach and it is nothing. 

That which gives true nobility is worth ; 

The sure reward of self reliance, aim'd 

At a high mark, with firm resolve to reach it. 

Thy claims in this respect, I have not question'd. 

FONT. 

If it be wealth' you ask for, there are few 
Fanariotes who in this outweigh my kindred. 

BOZZARIS. 

Yet were it ten times greater, being there. 
The Sultan's breath can scatter it. No ! no ! 
The accident of wealth, or what the world 
Is pleas'd to call such, diamonds and gold, 
I hold in light esteem. The wealth I covet 
Is th' undaunted soul that, swelling, breaks 
Whatever chains the tyrant flings around it, 
And stands, the image of its Maker, free ! 

FONT. 

Then on what ground is this refusal ? 

BOZZARIS. 

Listen. 
The Isles of Hydra and Ispara lie 
But a few leagues apart ; their various marts 
Are open to each other, and the ties 
Of friendship and of interest bind them ; nay, 
On the same deck their blood hath often minded, 
In conflict with the Moslem — but not elsewhere. 
No Hydriote maiden gives her plighted hand 
To any from Ispara. We who claim. 
And rightly, with the first a common ancestry, 
Have the same custom. How can I, their chief, 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. 33 

Sanction its violation — give my child 

To one whose ancestors, like thine, are known 

To have Ispariot blood — though they have long 

Resided in the Fanar ? Were it not so, 

I could not yield. No Suliote maid could breathe 

The air that Mahmoud poisons. Ask me not 

To make this sacrifice. 

FONT. 

A sacrifice ! 
Thou know'st me not, Bozzaris. If I thought 
That it would cause thy child a single tear, 
Myself would be the victim. 

BOZZARIS. 

If sincere, 
Thou hast a chance to prove it. Give thy heart 
To Greece, who needs it all ; if, by thy death, 
Thou canst secure her triumph, better far 
Than live to see her downfall. 

FONT, laside.l 

Yes, I will 
To battle and to death ! For who would live, 
If robb'd of that which makes life worth preserving. \_Bxii.1 

BOZZARIS. 

A gallant youth ! would it were in my power 

To aid his wooing. Hellas, had all thy sons 

But half his spirit, thou would'st stand redeem'd, 

And grind to dust the shackles of the tyrant, \_.Exit.'] 



SCENE II. 

The tent of Bozzaris. Londos discovered at a table icritincf. 

Enter Bozzaris, in deep thought, 

BOZZARIS. 

Are my last orders ready? \_Londos hands papers'] it is well, 



^4 BOZZAKIS. [act III. 

The officers I summon 'd are without ; 

Bid them now enter. lExit Lotidos.^ Yes, 'tis even so ; 

Greece is not what she hath been. Yet the world 

Admiring gazes, e'en in her decay. 

How often, in the night watch, she reminds me 

Of some old Pharos on th' JEgem coast, 

Whose lonely light still cheers the mariner, 

Though every rock that crumbles from its base. 

Tells that the surge and storm have battled roughly. 

Can I rejDair the ruin, and restore 

Its ftiir proportions ? I will try : and though 

I fail in the endeavor, after times 

Will do my memory justice. 

lEnter Staikos, Fontoumaris, Londos and Zahnis.'] 

Comrades, it is no time for us to rest 

Contented with our laurels ; 

But rather take advantage of the panic 

Oceasion'd by our late success in arms, 

And strengthen our position. For this end, 

Before the enemy hath time to rally, 

Here are my orders to the various posts 

To forward their detachments ; 

With increased numbers, and the greater strength 

A few days rest will give our bruised limbs, 

When next we strike, we cannot doubt the issue. 

A word with Fontoumaris. 

\_Bozzaris and Fontoumaris retire up the Stage. ^ 

STAIKOS. 

I would it were tomorrow, for my arm 

Hatli really shrunk for lack of exercise. 

Mark you this sleeve, my friends, how loose it hangs ; 

And yet 'tis scarce a fortnight since I thrash'd 

My tailor for its tightness ; 'gad, ere long 

Even Javella's doublet will sit easy. 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. . 35' 

LONDOS. 

No doubt of that ; thou hast it on ah'eady. 

STAIKOS. 

Javella's ? out upon thee. 

ZAIMIS. 

It is true ; 
I know it by these points. 
'Twas hanging in thy tent the day he left us, 
And now he comes to claim it. 

STAIKOS. 

j^sop, who 
Was noted for his lies, would kick the beam, 
If weigh'd 'gainst two such varlets. 

\_Exit Staikos as Javella enters. '\ 
BOZZARIS, [advancing ] 
Ha ! Javella ! 
What from the prince ? Will he detach the men 
Icall'dfor? 

JAVELLA. 

Read and judge, [hands papers to Bozzaris-I 

BOZZARIS. 

What do I see 1 
" The Capidan Pashaw, with all his fleet. 
Is off Patras, waiting the march of Omer, 
For a combin'd attack on Missolinghi. 
The Arcananian passes are defenceless ; 
Scutari's chief is up in Thessaly ; 
And, aided by a large Albanian force, 
Aims for the gulf of Corinth by Yraehori." 
Should both succeed, they'll sweep the whole Morea I 
The time hath come for action — be it so I 
Call in the pickets, and prepare to march 
Forthwith on Carpenitza. Londos, let 
Our couriers mount in haste with these despatches ; 



36 BOZZARIS. [act III. 

Away, away, each to his several duties. 

[ Officers, except Londos, who arranges papers at the table, 

exeunt.'] 
God of my sires ! the fearful avalanche, 
That hath so long o'erhung the mountain's verge, 
Even now toi^ples ; and without thine aid 
To breast its downward progress, it will come 
With desolating fury, and must crush 
Every domestic hearth, and every temple 
Where we Thy name adore I 

Londos, a word. 
I must away this instant, and alone. 
To Macrinoro, but shall overtake 
Our forces on their march. I would emljrace 
Eudora ere I leave, but have no time 
For such a parting. Show to her this ring ; 
It will convince her that you speak my wishes, 
And make compliance pleasure. Tell my child 
That she and her attendants must depart, 
Under your care, and with befitting escort, 
To the Ionian Isles, for there have fled 
Our women and our children. Tell her too, 
That, should we meet no more, my dying prayer 
Will be for her and Hellas ! ll^Jxit.-] 

LONDOS. 

To such a prayer I shall not say amen. 

His child and his despatches will, I think. 

Have a like fortune. \_EnterZaimis'] Zaimis, thou art welcome : 

The very man I wanted. 

ZAIMIS. 

What's in th' wind ? 

LONDOS. 

The clouds that seem'd of late so dark and low'ring, 
Have pass'd away, and a bright morn awaits us. 



SCENE II.] B Z Z A R I S . S'T 

ZAIMIS. 

What ! hast thou thrown a main ? 

LONDOS. 

Behold this ring ! 
It grac'd, just now, the finger of Bozzaris ; 
It graces mine, and puts within my reach 
The promis'd gold. 

ZAIMIS. 

Explain ; I see not how. 

LONDOS. 

It places in my power Bozzaris' daughter. 
I have it in strict charge to take the maid 
To safer quarters ; with a chosen few — . 
They shall be few — I will — 

ZAIMIS. 

Fulfil thy mission. 

LONDOS. 

Fool ! shall I shun the hazard when my hand 
Can sweep the stakes ? I know no safer quarters 
Than a Turk's Harem. . 

ZAIMIS. 

Thou'rt a very devil. 
It looks not well — -I wash my hands of it. 

LONDOS. 

What, and be still a beggar ? Such a prize 
Will almost drain the coffers of the Sultan ; 
And we shall revel, Zaimis. 

ZAIMIS. 

Say no more. 
Thy breath hath blown my lamp of mercy out. 
And left me groping in the dark : load on. 

LONDOS, 

Some three leagues hence, a dark monastic pile 
Frowns on the neighb'ring forest. The fat monks, 

4 



38 BOZZARIS. [act III. 

Who pray'd aud feasted there, have long since scatter'd ; 

While fireside stories, still afloat, of foul 

And frequent murders it hath witness'd, fright 

The peasant from its portals. Yet 'tis not 

Deserted. Lately some marauding Turks 

Have broke the stillness of its cells, and watch 

Our sliohtest movements. Thou must hasten thither. 

o 

Seek out Abdallah, who commands, and tell him 
Londos is on the road, and will refresh 
His escort with their viands. Rest assur'd, 
The hint will not be lost — and now to horse. 

ZAIMIS. 

But stay, the signal for admittance. 

LOXDOS, 

True, 
I had forgot — three knocks upon the postern. \_Exit Zaimis.'] 
He said I was a devil. He will find 

'Tis even so, ere we divide the spoil. \_Enter Fontoumaris.'\ 
Comrade, thou hast a melancholy look. 
Methinks the bustle of our breaking up, 
And the fair prospect of another field, 
Should make thee joyous, 

FONT. 

Joyous ! so it would, 
If that field were my grave. 

LONDOS. 

Why, what hath happen'd ? 

FONT. 

Thou must have mark'd my course of wooing. Hope 
Now lights my path no further, for Bozzaris 
Rejects my suit. 

LONDOS. 

And thou wilt fold thine arms 
In resignation? If thou art a man. 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. 3t) 

'Tis not too late to win the prize, and wear it. 

FONT. 

Point out the way — I'm ready. 

LONDOS. 

In my charge 
Eudora leaves this very day for Corfu. 
Join with our escort ; and with soft endearments, 
Such as men always use, thou wilt anon 
So weave the network of thy love about her, 
That she were more than woman to break through it, 
And of necessity must share thy fortunes. 

FONT. 

But where direct our course — where find a home 
Beyond her father's power "; 

LONDOS. 

The Turkish camp. 

EONT. 

What, turn a renegade ? 
I cannot sink so low ; and if I could, 
She would disdain my offer. 

LONDOS. 

Trust to my guidance. I will so contrive 
This journey, which thy happiness secures. 
That she will not suspect thee ; nay, will think 
You peril'd life itself to save her from it. 

FONT. 

Now thou dost mock me — 'tis impossible. 

LONDOS. 

I will unfold more fully on our way. 

FONT. 

No ! No ! I can't deceive her. 

LONDOS. 

This thy love ? 
What, shall those matchless orbs, on which so oft 



40 BOZZARIS. [act III. 

Thine own have gaz'd enamour'd, 
Grlance with a lover's look upon a rival ? 

FONT. 

Name it not ! 

LONDOS. 

Shall some wild Suliote's arm embrace that form, 
That fondly clung to thine ? 

FONT. 

O spare me, spare me ! 

LONDOS. 

Or one, to thee a stranger, press those lips 
Whose hue doth shame the coral ? 

FONT. 

Hold ! thy words 
Do madden me. Another's ? never, never ! 
Lead where thou wilt, so I but call her mine. 

LONDOS. 

Then onward ! thou shalt have her. \_£Jxeunt. 



SCENE III. 

Interior of a Monastery. Enter Eudora and Ida, followed 
hy Londos and Fontournaris ; the tioo last retire up the 
stage. 

IDA. 

Come, let us quit this place ; why tarry longer ? 
How gloomy and sepulchral ! and its doors, 
As they swing home upon their creaking hinge, 
Give such a hollow, sullen sound, it seems 
As if the world were shut out, and forever. 
What is its name Eudora ? I should call it 
The Hall of Gloom. 

EUDOllA. 

A venerable pile, and why deserted, 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 41 

I cannot e'en conjecture. It is call'd 
The Monastery of San Nicolas. 

IDA. 

San Nicolas ! Eudoia, I have heard 
Most frightful tales about it ; how that monks, 
Who had for years been buried, flitted still 
Among its corridors ; that cries — that shrieks — 

EUDORA. 

The gossip of some crones. I shall blot out 

The name of Ida from my list of kin. 

If she betray such weakness. Now I love 

These haunts. How many of the broken hearted*— 

Some guilty, yet repentant, some much wrong'd, 

Have here at last, found refuge and a rest. 

And dearer still to me those glorious temples, 

Rear'd by our ancestors — not as works of art 

Merely, in this they stand unparagon'd — 

But as the monuments of former glory ; 

A legacy bequeath'd us, which, if valued 

As it should be, would make us free indeed. 

IDA. 

I know your love for temples ; there was one 
Which had a great attraction. 'Twas the one 
I mention'd I had dreamt about. ' 

EUDORA. 

Fair cousin. 
When will your thoughts be sober ? 

IDA. 

Are they not ? 
Methinks that some of us were never more so ; 
Soberness is in the air — it is infectious. 
Eudora, thou art sober. Fontoumaris 
Is some degree beyond it — he is dull. 



42 BozzARis. [act iir. 

PONT, [^advancing.'] 
Dull — said'st thou dull? [ciside] did she but know the cause. 
I'm not aware of it. 

IDA. 

Nor is Eudora ; 
But some I know are always in this mood, 
When lookers on are present. 

LONDOS. 

Fontourmaris 
Is troubled with a headache. 'Twill be off 
When we resume our journey ; come, our steeds 
Have taken breath, let us arrange our escort ; 
Be ready at our call. \_Exeunt Londos and Fontoumaris.l 

IDA, 

Then call us quickly. 
If long delay'd, some venerable monk 
May whisk us through the key hole. 

[Abdallah and Tiirhs rush in, and Ida clasps Eudora.'] 

Save me, 
Eudora, save me ! 

ABDALLAir. 

Drag them to the vaults ! 

EUDORA. 

Ruffians, stand off ! touch but a single hair 
Of this poor child, and there are those at hand, 
Who will take ample vengeance. 

ABDALLAH. 

They are in chains, and harmless as yourselves. 
I know full well that face. Thou did'st escape 
Me once, but now there is no fother's arm 
To smite me to the earth, as he did then ; 
Curse on him for that blow ! 

EUDORA. 

He spar'd thy life, 
And this is the return. 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 43 

ABDALLAn. 

No, no ! he left me 
Dying, as he suppos'd ; but 'twas a feint 
On my part, to deceive him ; and I live — - 
To be aveng'd. Tear them asunder, quick. 

EUDORA. 

Hold, part us not. If slavery be our doom. 
Let us be slaves together. She would die 
With terror, if alone, [^guards advance.'] Nuy, touch her not. 
Lead on. \^Abdallah ivaves his hand, and exeunt Eudora ami 
Ida,folloived hj two of the guard.~\ 
LONDOS, [cis he enters.'] 
Hast thou secur'd them all ? 

ABDALLAH. 

Ay, all. 
[^Enter Zaimis.] londos. 

Not quite ; 
That villain's head is worth the whole of them. 
Seize him, or all is lost, [they seize Zaimis.] 

' ZAIMIS. 

Thou double traitor ! 
Is naught but this my share, when I have play'd 
The game into thy hands ? Thou yet shalt have 
The guerdon of thy perfidy. This arm, 
If free but for a moment, would — - 

ABDALLAH. 

Away ! 

LONDOS. 

(live him the bowstring ! he's a spy — the bowstring ! 

[Soldiers bear him off, Ah dallah following.] 
These fellows were my tools ; and having us'd them 
Till I have built the frame work of my fortunes, 
I cast them off, for Rust to feed upon, 
Lest haply they should wound mo. [Exit.] 



ACT ly, 

SCENE I. 

A Forest. Miter Bozzar-is disguised as a Caloyer, 

BOZZARIS. 

TTnhappy chance, that robb'd me of my steed 

In this wild' tangled forest. Above all, 

At such a time as this, when every hour 

Is fraught with peril for my gallant band, 

And I not with them. In the humble garb 

Of those who dwell within our mountain caves, 

And seek, in prayer and solitude, that peace 

The world denies, I have pass'd on unquestion'd. 

Shall I still, and find the path I lost ! 

But I must on ; the clouds drift angrily — 

The moaning wind comes on in fitful gusts, 

Huddling the scatter'd leaves — ^to whirl them upward. 

And now that muttering thunder ! warnings all, 

To seek for shelter. Ha ! a traveller ! 

\_Zaimis enters mounded, and falls. J 
'Tis Zaimis, as I live, and gash'd with wounds, 
From whom I parted yesterday in camp ! 
What mystery is this ? 

ZAIMIS. 

All seems in mist ; and yet methinks I see 
The garb of a Caloyer. If so, come 
And shrive a dying man. If I could live 
To clear this bosom of a load of guilt 
That j)resses heavily ; if I could warn 
Bozzaris of the perils that surround him^ 
Then death would be most welcome. 



SCENE I.] BOZZARIS. 45 

BOZZARIS. 

Son, thou did'st speak of perils that suiTOund 
The Suliate leader. They who are in arms 
Are always thus beset — the shot, the sabre, 
May strike at any moment. 

ZAIBIIS. 

Not of them 
I speak, but of a dark conspiracy, 

BOZZARIS. 

Conspiracy ! how, where ? As thou dost hope 
For mercy, hide not aught that threatens Greece, 
And which uncheck'd may make her struggle hopeless. 

ZAIMIS. 

The Capitani are not what they seem. 
The purses of the Sultan have been flung 
Into their laps with such a lavish hand, 
They care but little for the cause of Greece, 
If their own power be strengthen'd. 
And some, not satisfied to keep aloof, 
Are even now at work, corrupting those 
To whom Bozzaris looks for succour. Nay, 
Treason is lurking in his very camp. 

BOZZARIS. 

This is a charge so startling, that it calls 

For proof, ay proof, ere one can give it credence. 

ZAlMIS. 

I was myself en gag' d in it — a traitor. 

So wrought upon by one whose hellish arts 

Did take advantage of my poverty — 

By one Bozzaris trusted — that I sold 

Myself for gold, but got, instead, his dagger. 

BOZZARIS. 

The traitor's name ? 

4* 



46 BOzzARis. [act IV. 

ZAIMIS. 

Londos. 

BOZZARIS. 

It cannot be. 
He had in charge the daughter of his Chief, 
And even now is on his way to Corfu. 

ZAI31IS. 

True, as I hope for heaven ; and ere this, 
He and his charge are with the Seraskier. 

BOZZARIS. 

Eudora fled with Londos? idle, all ! 

Now do I know indeed thy brain's distraught. 

ZAIMIS. 

Raise me that I may lean against this rock. 
My tide of life is at so low an ebb, 
I may not utter all I wish, yet still 
Enough to warn him. 

BOZZARIS. 

Son, collect thyself. 
Thou could'st not mean the words thy lips hath utter'd. 

ZAIMIS. 

Londos — Eudora — Eontoumaris — 

BOZZARIS. 

With Fontoumaris, too ? and she so lov'd him — 

Yet knew my firm resolves. A sudden light 

Breaks in upon me — he who won her love — 

But no I she would not leave her father ! xlnswer, 

If but a single word. Say, went she not 

Unwillingly, compell'd by force ? \_Zaimis dies.'] He's gone 

Left me to drift on such a sea of horror, 

I sink beneath its waters I [clasps his forehead.] 

Stand up my soul ! why yield to private griefs. 

When G recce demands thy service ? let me fly. 

And drag her recreant offspring back to duty, 

Ere we are all ingulf'd. [Uxit.] 



SCENE II.] BOZZARIS. 47 

SCENE II. 
The Gi^eek Camp. Enter Staikos. 

STAIKOS. 

'Twas well Bozzaris left in camp a man 
Nam'd Andreas Staikos — Captain Staikos ; but, 
If merit had its due — the man to lead 
Battalia ! for who, save Andreas Staikos, 
Could drill and discipline this motley rabble ? 
Roumeliotes, Mainotes, some from Attica ; 
And lastly these Philhellenes, who speak 
So many tongues, it seems a very Babel. 
Scarce had we taken up our line of march. 
When lo ! a mutiny. But I have quell'd it. 
I'm just the man for quenching such a fire. 
There's nothing left to smoulder and puff up 
On finding vent, when I have done with it — 
Not even smoke. In truth, this blade of mine 
Was always a most rare extinguisher, 
The very flat of it, 
When wielded by an arm that had the muscle. 

{Javella crosses the stage.'} 
Ho I hast thou tidings of our leader ? 

JAVELLA. 

None ; 
Though yesterday was fix'd for his return. 
I fear some accident hath happen'd. 

STAIKOS. 

I cannot, for my life, see what detains him. 
But men don't travel now — the best of them — 
As they did formerly. Dld'st ever hear 
How quick I went from Arta to Lepanto V 

JAVELLA. 

I think I have. 



48 BOZZARIS. [act IV. 

STAIKOS. 

Not the particulars. 

[lioise lvith0Ut.~\ JAVELLA. 

Heard you that noise? I must away. [ExitJ] 

STAIKOS. 

'Twas fancy ; 
I heard it not. Our men might be at play 
Perhaps — 'twas nothing serious. Discipline 
Hath ever been my motto. I'll maintain it. 

\_soldie7^s cross the stage, fighting. ~\ 
Another drunken brawl ! 
Now, by St. Luke, I'll play th' anatomist. 
And hew them to the chine, \_folloius ivith drmvn sivord.'] 



SCENE ni. 

The interior of the cave of Uhjsses, at Mount Parnassus. 
Enter Bozzaris and Ulysses. 

BOZZARIS. 

Nay, nay, I charge thee not. The services 

Which thou hast render'd Greece, Ulysses, speak 

As highly for thy zeal as for thy courage. 

I have full faith in thee. Yet recollect 

That when you held the passes of Mount Cnemis, 

The very gates of Greece — 

You left them so unguarded, that the Turks 

Kush'd like a torrent in, and swept Boeotia. 

Is it then strange that this neglect should breed 

Some little doubt of thy sincerity ? 

Blame not the Prince. 

ULYSSES. 

Mavrocordato is my enemy ; 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 49 

And while he governs I shall fold my arms, 
And care not that, if he mistrust the motive. 

BOZZARIS. 

Should he denounce thee ? 

ULYSSES. 

I shall laugh at it. 
Within this cavern, so far up the mount 
That cannon cannot bear upon its entrance, 
And which no step can reach, till I consent, 
I bid defiance both to Greek and Turk. 

BOZZARIS. 

Ulysses hear me ; private feuds should yield 
To public duty. Greece, now sinking fast 
In this unequal struggle, calls on all 
To rally to the rescue. Yet how few 
Arise and answer ; do not you desert her. 
True, our brave Admiral still scours the seas, 
And with Canaris — how I love that name — 
Hath cut ofT their supplies ; but there it rests. 
Boeotia, as of old, is veil'd in darkness ; 
The Turks have master'd the Acropolis ; 
While Attica, more lifeless than her marbles, 
Her primates profligate, her peasants poor, 
Sleeps on, nor dreams of vengeance. 
It drives me mad to see these cringing slaves — 
Lash'd too, like cattle, at the very base 
Of those proud columns where their ancestors 
Inscrib'd the rights of man. 

ULYSSES. 

Expect no change, 
Till we have plac'd the helm of state in hands 
More fit to guide it. How collect an army. 
When destitute of means ? 

5 



50 BOZZAEIS. [act IV. 

BOZZARIS. 

How destitute ? 
We have, I must confess, no well fill'd coffers ; 
But we have hands, and if our hearts were with them. 
What man could doubt the issue ? 

.^ ULYSSES. 

Were our hearts 
United, still our blood would flow in vain. 
See the barbaric hordes array 'd against us — 
What fearful odds ! while Christendom looks on 
Unmov'd, unpitjing. 

BOZZARIS. 

Yet her chivalry 
Are up, and arming in the sacred cause. 
E'en now a small but gallant band is with us ; 
The warrior of England and of Gaul, 
The PolC; the soldier from the land of Tell, 
And from that distant land across the seas. 
Freedom's last homo — the land of Washington I 

ULYSSES. 

Thy zeal hath got the better of thy judgment ; 

"Twill be a losing game. It is a prize 

Not worth contending for. 

Why, Greece herself hath been in chains so long. 

She likes the rattle. She's a feeble crone, 

So wasted by disease and penury, 

If set upright, she'd stumble in her walk, 

AVithout a Turkish crutch. 

BOZZARIS. 

This from a Greek? But hold, thy youth was pass'd 

At Yanina with Ali j no fit school 

To learn a freeman's rights, and even less 

To learn what Hellas hath been. 

Go where you will o'er this ill-fated land.. 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 51 

'Tis full of recollections. 

There's not a vale so lonely but can boast 

Its towering column on a well fought field, 

Or urn that marks a soldier's sepulchre. 

Methinks the veriest coward as he pass'd, 

In his disastrous flight, these mighty graves, 

Would feel unwonted fires — 

And, with uplifted blade, would turn and charge. 

To conquer or to fall ! [enter soldier.'] 

SOLDIER. 

A stranger, dress'd 
In Turkish garb, is in the outer room, 
And asks admittance. 

ULYSSES. 

Tell him I am busy — 
It cannot be. [exit soldier.'] 

MUSTAPHA, [^without.] 

I care not, stand aside. 
[as he enters, Bozzaris retires up the stage P^ 
I am not wont to wait the beck and call 
Of other men, when even at Stamboul ; 
Much less when in the cavern of a Gaiour. 

ULYSSES. 

Thy name was not announc'd. 

MUSTAPnA. 

It matters not. 
Thou did'st appoint this meeting, and I come 
To hold thee to thy offers. 

ULYSSES, [agitated.] 

We will speak 
Of this anon — there is another here. 

MUSTAPHA. 

I mark'd him ; if a follower, bid him so. 



52 B Z Z A R I S. [act IV. 

ULYSSES. 

He is not yet a follower, but — 

MUSTAPHA. 

If foe, 
Then strangle liim I this is no middle ground, 
Where men can wear two faces. 

ULYSSES. 

He is one 
Skilful and brave, an old companion ; one 
Who hath such influence with those in arms, 
That could I but withdraw him from the cause. 
And I have hopes, our triumph would be certain. 

MUSTAPHA. 

Is he not in thy power ? then wherefore dally ? 
Offer him rank and wealth ; if he reject them, 
Crush him. I'll speak to him myself. 

ULYSSES. 

Not now — 
It will not answer. 

MUSTAPHA. 

I'm to judge of that. 
And not Ulysses. Soldier, who art thou ? 

BOZZARIS, \advancing.1 

Thine enemy. 

ULYSSES, {ciside.'] 

That word may work my ruin. 
Into what labyrinths my crime hath drawn me. 

MUSTAPHA. 

An enemy, forsooth ! I think thy tongue 

Would not have utter'd it, if thou had'st known me. 

BOZZARIS. 

I know thee as a tyrant's willing tool — 

As one of Mahmoud's bloodhounds, destin'd soon 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 53' 

To taint our soil with your vile carcasses, 
Unless you seek your kennel. 

MUSTAPIIA. 

By Allah, dost thou beard me ? then thy hours 
Are numher'd. Know that I am the Seraskier, 

BOZZAEIS. 

And I, Bozzaris ! 

MUSTAPHA. 

Ha ! the Suliote chief ! 
I thank the Prophet that my scimitar 
At length can reach thee. 

ULYSSES. 

This is neutral ground. 

BOZZARIS. 

I hold it such, if I'm allow'd free passage ; 
If not, I'll make one. Moslem, I must pass. 

MUSTAPHA. 

Never, but o'er this body ! 

BOZZARIS. 

, Be it so ! 
[ Comhat — Mustapha falls, disarm'' d. ] 
I grant thy wretched life on one condition ; 
Give me thy signet — quick ! 

MUSTAPHA. 

By Allah, never ! 

BOZZARIS. 

The signet ! At the mountain's base, thy guard 
Of fierce Albanians wait thy coming ; I 
Must pass them unmolested. Once for all, 
Thy signet ? 

MUSTAPHA. 

Dog; I spit upon thee ! 

ULYSSES. 

Yield it, your Highness. I entreat thee yield it. 



54 BOZZARIS. [act IV. 

[Mustapha starts to his feet, and stretches his hands towards 
BozzarisJ] 

MUSTAPHA. 

I'll have theo yet ! foil'd — I shall choke with rage ! 
[Sinks, convulsed, into the arms of Ulysses, luho takes off 
the ring, and hands it to BozzarisJ] 

ULYSSES. 

Take it and fly. 

BOZZARIS. 

For this thou hast— my pity ; 

No\y I am free ! \^Exit.'] 



ACT V. 

SCENE I. 

Time, Evening. The Greek Camp at Carpenitza ; Bozzaria 
discovered seated in Ids tent. 

BOZZARIS. 

My child, my lost Eudora ! I have striven 

To drive thee. from my memory ; but that face, 

So like thy mother's, bids a father's tears 

Blot out the stain of thy ingratitude, 

And I can see thee now, as when array'd 

In purity and truth. 0, why condemn 

In my poor countrymen their want of love 

For Greece, when even my own blood deserts her. 

\Enter Staihos, Javella and Officers hurriedly.~\ 

8TAIK0S. 

The Ottoman will have us on the hip. 
Our men who occupi'd the Eastern pass, 
Are rushing into camp ;' compell'd to fly 
Before their countless masses. 

BOZZARIS. 

Cravens all ! 
They should have stood their ground at every hazard. 
But that upon the West is not yet lost, 
And, while my own brave Suliotes guard the pass, 
Will not be lightly won. 

.JAVELLA, 

I fear the worst. 
An overwhelming force hath gain'd their rear, 
Such is the flying rumor, and if true, 
They must ere long abandon it. 

BOZZAPaS. 

Ha, is it so ? then the huge serpent soon, 



56 BozzARis. [act v. 

Unless we strike, will have us in his coils. 

Comrades, 'tis idle to conceal it longer, 

There is no hope of succour. Our reliance 

Must be upon ourselves. The Turks in force 

Are now before us ; and against such odds, 

To offer battle in the light of day. 

Would be sheer madness. If we would retreat, 

The mountain gorge is still in our possession, 

And will afford a passage to the North. 

But what would follow — what but infamy ? 

Our fields laid waste by fire and sword, and Greece 

Forever fallen ! What shall be our course ? 

Comrades, speak out. 

STAIKOS. 

Bozzaris, give the word ; 
We follow — ay to death. 

BOZZARIS. 

Theu at them ere the dawn ! 
This night I will myself explore their camp, 
And find .where best we can effect an entrance. 
That done, I will conduct a chosen band 
Into their very centre : while the rest, 
In ambush near, and ready for the onset, 
Shall, at the bugle's signal, rise and charge 
Our tyrants as they lay. Ere midnight watch. 
Be each man at his post. Away, and make 
Each shining blade the blade of an Avenger ! {^Exeunt.l 



SCENE II. 

Time, Night. Turh'sh Camp at a distance. A Tower : a 
Mute guarding the entrance. Enter Londos. 

LONDOS. 

That Zaimis hath escap'd me. Well, he got 
A poison 'd wound in token of remembrance, 



SCENE II.] B Z Z A R I S . 57 

While Foatoumaris sleeps, if sleep he can, 

In the deep dungeons of this gloomy tower. 

Give me the keys — thou can'st retire and rest 

Till the Muezzin's voice awakes to prayer. 

But stay — the female captives — in what room 

Are they secur'd ? IMute points to loindoiv.'] 

'Tis well ; — my Nubian, 
Massoud, will watch, so leave thy yataghan. [Exit Mute.'] 
Now to release my prisoner from his troubles, 
By a home thrust. He may escape me else — 
Or, what is worse, turn renegade, as I did, 
And balk me of my prize. This yataghan, 
Left by his side and bloody, will be sure 
To fix suspicion on the mute. 

{^Changes iceapons aad enters the tower; a moment after, 
enter Fontoumaris hy the same door.] 

FONT. 

The door unlock'd and open ! is it real, 
After the long and weary 'hours I've pass'd 
In digging through these vaults, and ere a gleam 
Of light shot in to cheer me ! And this weapon, 
When all defenceless ! I've not merited 
A Providence like this, since yielding up 
My honor and my all. Th' incarnate fiend I 
To work me up to madness, and then seek 
To crush both soul and body. Ha ! there are 
Approaching footsteps ; I will hide m3^self 
In some deserted chamber of the tower. [^JExit.] 

\_E71ter Bozzaris, disguised as a Turk, and Staikos, from 
opposite tvings.'] 

STAIKOS. 

Yield thee, or die I 

cozzARis, [parrying the blow.] 

Good Staikos, harm me not. 
*,5 



58 BOzzARis. [act V, 

STAIKOS. 

'Twas well I knew that voice ; the Moslem garb 
Mio;ht else have caus'd thy death. This blade of mine 
Hath a most strong antipathy to turbans. 

BOZZARIS. 

But wherefore here ? 

STAIKOS. 

Dost think that I can sleep, 
Knowing thy life in danger ? I'm a Suliote. 

BOZZARIS. 

And one whom I can trust — would there were more such. 
But calm thy fears ; the task, though hazardous, 
Is done. 

STAIKOS. 

And thou hast pry'd into their camp ? 

BOZZARIS. 

The very centre ; and so deep a sleep 

Hath seal'd their lids, that e'en the sentinels 

Seem drowsing at their posts. Now speed thee back^ 

And bid our ranks gird for the final effort ; 

I'll join them ere array'd. 

STAIKOS. 

When duty calls. 
One must be quick to outstrip Andreas Staiko&. [^ExttJ] 

BOZZARIS. 

This tower seems tenantless — and yet, so near 
The Turkish camp, they should have guarded it. 
Strano'o oversisiht ! 'Twill serve us as a landmark, 
And while it screens from sight th' advancing columns,. 
Will deaden the rattle of our arms. 

\_JEnter Londos from the toiver.'] 

LONDOS. 

Massoud ! why this delay ? I've waited for thee. 
If thou must mutter to thyself, then choose 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 59 

Some fitter moment ; for our victim sleeps, 
And time is precious. 

BOZZARIS, [«s^We.] 
'Tis the traitor Londos — 
I thank thee, Heaven ! 

LONDOS. 

Dost thou hear me, slave ? 

BOZZARIS. 

Not slave, but dupe, for trusting to a traitor ; 
But dupe no longer — thus I free myself. 

[^Crosses blades ivith Londos.'] 

LONDOS. 

What devil thwarts me ? Ha, it is Bozzaris I 

BOZZARIS. 

Yes, to thy cost; die with thy sins upon thee ! \_Londos falls.'] 

Greece, thou hast one foe less, and he the blackest ! 

Now to rejoin my comrades, and prepare 

For the last struggle. And, like him of old, 

Who clasp'd the pillars 'mid exulting foes. 

If doom'd to perish, we will bow ourselves. 

And perish all together ! \_Exit.] 



SCENE ni. 

Time, night. A chamber in the tower. Ida discovered on 
a couch, and Eudora standing near. 

IDA. 

Eudora, art thou near ? come, let me hear 
Thy gentle voice again — and feel thy hand. 
This room, how dark it is — relight the lamp. 

EUDORA. 

'Tis burning now, dear Ida. 



60 BOZZARIS. [act V. 

IDA. 

Burning, said'st thou ? 
And I not see it ! doth it not burn dimly ? 
Thou dost not answer me — speak, speak, Eudora ! 
Is death so near — hath the hour come for parting V 

EUDORA. 

Have mercy, Heaven ! 

IDA. 

Thanks ; that prayer of thine, 
Dear cousin, will be granted. 0, the wrongs 
That I have sufFer'd, and the long, long hours 
Of bitter agony which wrung my soul 
After they tore me from thee, will be weigh' d 
By One both just and gracious. 

EUDORA. 

Thou wilt live ; 
Live to return to our dear home. 

IDA. 

Beturn, 
But not in life — I feel that I am dying. 
But let not my remains sleep always here. 
So far from all I lov'd. Let me return — 
To mingle with the cherish'd dust of Suli ; 
Where thou and tliine can visit Ida's grave. 

EUDORA. 

Thou shalt— thou shalt ! 

IDA. 

I bless thee for that word. 
Dearest, farewell ! one kiss, then — \_Dies.] 

EUDORA. 

Ida speak ! 

What, lost to me ! Am I alone alone — 

\_SinIiS hj the couch. Enter Fontoumaris.'] 
Who would disturb ihQ chamber of the dead ? 



SCENE III.] BOZZARIS. 61 

Retire, intruder, whosoe'er tbou art. 
And leave me to mj loneliness. 

PONT. 

Eudora here, and weeping? Can it be ! 

My love, my life, art thou so crush'd with grief 

As not to know me ? 

EUDORA, [mw?y.] 

Know thee, Fontoumaris ! 
I know thee when too late — had it been earlier, 
What nights of agony, what bitter tears 
Might have been spar'd me. 

FONT. 

Thou hast been deceiv'd : 
That villain Londos — 

EUDORA. 

Hold, I know it alL 
Thy base betrayal, thy apostacy, 
Are graven here in characters so deep, 
They cannot be effac'd. 

FONT. 

I can explain — 

EUDORA. 

Away, away ! is this to be explain'd ? [points to Ida.'] 

FONT. 

Ida, and dead ! 

EUDOEA, 

Ay, murder'd ; and by thee ! 
For 'twas thy treachery that caus'd it all. 
I marvel not that thou dost turn away. 
False to thy love, thy country and thy faith. 

FONT. 

Not false to thee, Eudora, nor my faith ; 
Though deep in infamy, not yet so low. 

6 



62 BozzARis. [act v. 

EUDORA. 

Thy garb confirms it. 

FONT. 

It was forc'd upon me. 

EUDORA. 

Was my betrayal also fore'd, and then 
The murder of this innocent ? Away, 
Nor mock me more ! 

FONT. 

Eudora, had'st thou lov'd 
As I have lov'd, and knew what damning means 
Were urg'd to my undoing, thou would'st pardon. 

EUDORA. 

Speak not of love ; thy lips profane tlie name. 

How I have lov'd, how trusted, how confided, 

A woman's heart might answer — no one else. 

Speak not of pardon — that, alone, \_pointsto /fZa,] shuts out 

All hope of it ; and, were she still alive. 

The thought that one to whom I gave my heart, 

Had turn'd a traitor and a renegade. 

Would banish him forever ! 

FONT. 

Say what thou wilt, except that I am false 
To thee and to my faith. 

EUDORA. 

If I am wrong, 
Then verify thy words. Fly, give to Greece 
The remnant of thy days and I'll not hate thee. 

FONT, [rushing oiitJ] 
My life-blood on tbe issue. 

EUDORA, 

Pride, 
Pride, thou hast borne me up ; but now I feel 
I am a woman still. [sinks fainting ."\ 



SCENE IV.] BOZZARIS. 63 

SCENE lY. 

Night. The Turhish Cainp. Enter Bozzaris and Soldiers. 

BOZZARIS. 

The hand of Heaven is with us ! here we stand, 

Amid our foes, unscath'd and unsuspected ; 

Even their guard allowing us to pass 

As their Albanian allies, sent by Omer. 

Be firm, yet silent, till our friends without, 

Answer the bugle's signal — give it breath ! 

\Bugle sounds — Jturrah without.'] 

That welcome shout — they come ! 

The dead of by gone ages now look down 

From their proud monuments to mark our actions ! 

Their voices cheer us ! Forward ! charge and strike 

For altar and for hearth-stone. [^Exeunt. Alarum. Turks 
cross the stage pursued hj Greeks. Enter Ahdallah, follow- 
ed hy Staikos.'j 

STAIKOS. 

Now, by St. Luke, I'll teach thee how to pass 

By a new rule — tierce, carte, quinte, flanconnade — 

The schoolmaster's abroad ; one Andreas Staikos. 

\_Exeunt Jighting. Re-enter Bozzaris and Soldiers.'] 

BOZZARIS. 

On comrades on ! the tent of the Pashaw ! 

\_As soldiers rush out, Mustapha enters from opposite wing.] 

MUSTAPHA. 

He waits thee here. 

BOZZARIS. 

The tyrant I am seeking. 
Thou hast no neutral ground, as in the cave 
Where last we met, to save thee from my vengeance. 

MUSTAPIIA, 

That taunt of thine hath nerv'd my arm to wield 



64 BozzARis. [act y. 

The Prophet's scimitar ; thy life or mine. 

\_ Combat, Mustapha falls . ] 
The angel Asrael smote me — not a Giaour. \dies.'\ 

BOZZAKIS. 

Thus perish all the enemies of freedom. 

\_Enter Staikos, Javella and Soldiers.'] 
Behold the tyrant's minion ! Now once more 
Aid me, to grapple in this strife of death, 
And victory is ours ! [ Gvn fired, ayid Bozzaris^ falling , is 
supported hy Staikos.'] 

STAIKOS. 

That fatal shot ! 
Why did it not strike here and end a life, 
I value now as nothing ! \_Enter Eudora.] 

EUDORA. 

Am I deceiv'd — that surely was his voice ! [sees Eozzaris,'] 
And is it thus we meet — what Vv'oe is mine I 
0, speak to me ? it is thine own Eudora, 
And sent in mercy — for a daughter's hosom 
Should he thy pillow. 

BOZZARIS. 

Off ! thou art dishonor' d. 

EUDORA. 

Hold ! thou dost wrong my mother hy that word. 
Nay, thou dost wrong thyself — I am thy child, 
And honor is my birthright. T would not 
Outlive its loss — I could not if I would. 

BOZZARIS. 

How cam'st thou here ? 

EUDORA, 

Not of mine own free will. 
Deceiv'd by one in whom I fondly trusted ; 
By one who stated such was your command, 
And who held out your signet to confirm it, 



SCENE IV.] BOZZARIS. 65 

I left tlie camp, as I suppos'd, for Corfu. 
But different was our course, and on our way 
We were betray 'd and captur'd. Yet till now, 
Though closely guarded by the Seraskier, 
I have been free from insult. 

EOZZARIS. 

Come nearer — for mine eyes grow dim, and I 
Would see that face again. It is thy mother's, 
And bears the stamp of truth. I do believe thee, 
And thus believing, die at last content. 

EUDORA. 

Nay speak not thus — of dying ; thou must live 
For my sake, for thy country's. 

BOZZARIS. 

No, 'tis over. 

A few days more of life I could have wish'd, 

To aid my country in her glorious struggle ; 

But of what consequence, one more or less ! 

\Hurrali loithout. Enter Suliotes led hy Fontoumaris, mor- 
tally ivounded, in a Greek dress and hearing a Turkish 
banner. He totters towards Bozzaris — lays the trophy at 
his feet, and hieels beside it.^ 

FONT. 

Bozzaris, I have err'd, but here is proof 
I die no traitor — can'st thou pardon me ? 

BOZZARIS. 

Ill fated youth ! this banner wipes away 
The blot on thy escutcheon, and doth win 
Forgiveness ere 'tis ask'd. 

PONT. 

Eudora, then 
Thou wilt fulfil thy promise and — " not hate " me. [dies.l 
[Eudora covers her face. "] 



66 BOzzARis. [act v. 

BOZZARIS. 

Gone, where I soon must follow liim 'tis well. 

I will not ask thee to protect my child ; 
Staikos, I know thou wilt. 

STAIKOS. 

Staikos ! there is no Staikos — he was lost 

In losing thee ! He shed no tears as I do. 

He was a soldier, too, while I am one 

A child might drive to th' wall — a poor old man, 

And broken hearted. 

BOZZARIS. 

Nay, mourn not my fall ! 
What nobler exit can a soldier wish, 
Than to die, battling for his country's rights, 
With Victory on his standard ! 

\Hurrah loithont.'] 
That wild hurrah ! it is our battle cry — 
Bozzaris to the rescue ! up and charge 
Once more for Hellas ! 
[Starts to his feet, endeavors to advance, and falls a corpse.'] 



FINIS. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



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015 863 514 8^ 



